Schemes
Government Operational Research Service
On the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Fast Stream, you’ll use scientific and mathematical techniques to find better solutions to government policy making and resolve complex management problems.
Duration
Min 3 years
Salary
£27k
Location
UK-wide
About
Operational Research (OR) is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better policy decisions.
You’ll do this using techniques ranging from quick back-of-the-envelope calculations to complicated systems dynamics models, forecasting, simulation and analytics.
Different OR techniques can be used to objectively assess the current situation and how different changes might affect it. Our work brings government policy to life and has an impact on everyone in the UK.
Requirements
- you need to be eligible to work in the UK
- you need, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher, degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject
- Or 2:2 with a highly numerate postgraduate degree (subjects like maths, statistics and physics; for mixed degrees, at least 50% should be in a highly numerate subject).
What will you experience?
You will be using your intellect and creativity as problems can be complex, often with no single ‘right answer’. Your work will support all areas of government, including policy-making, strategy and operations.
Operational researchers commonly work with economists, statisticians, social researchers, scientists and those in policy. Whilst most OR Fast Streamers only work in analytical posts, it is also possible to take up generalist posts, such as working in a private office (working directly with a Minister and liaising with departments on their behalf).
You will join the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) with access to over 1000 members. Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn around £50k to 60k.
Your progression through the programme
- Year
The OR profession is flexible and allows the candidate to choose their own career path. The OR fast stream is a 3year programme during which you will be expected to move between posts and to another department. You will gain experience in varied posts typically lasting 12 months in roles across government departments.
Year 1 - Gain experience in operational research techniques. You will be allocated to a department for your first posting (minimum of a year), after which you will have the opportunity to move to another government departments You will be encouraged to shape your own career and develop your OR skills as well as your leadership skills throughout the programme. You will also complete the Year 1 core curriculum courses.
Year 2 - Over the course of the programme, you will gain the experience and skills that will put you on a path to senior leadership roles across the Civil Service. The OR profession is flexible and allows the candidate to choose their own career path. If you have not moved to another department before your 2nd year then you will be rotated at the end of year 2. You will also complete the Year 2 core curriculum courses and have a mid-point assessment.
Year 3 - Find solutions to complex management problems working in a government departments or agency. Collaborate with your clients, as you become more experienced with senior people, and sometimes even government ministers. You will also complete the Year 3 core curriculum courses and have an end-point assessment.
Year 4 – Collaborate with your clients: As you become more experienced with senior people, and sometimes even government ministers.
Supporting your learning
Our training includes:
- 2-day residential induction course
- Access to a range of high-quality training courses to develop your OR professional skills and wider leadership and management skills. In addition, you will be expected to complete the Fast Stream core curriculum course as part of your 3year training programme.
- Access to a programme of cross-government events and conferences
- Support in achieving professional accreditation by the OR Society (if desired).
Up to £55k
If you successfully complete the scheme and are promoted, you could earn around £45k to £55k.
What benefits will you enjoy?
You’ll have a unique chance to work on issues that really matter, and to gain experience internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long-term progression.
Other benefits include the Civil Service pension scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, child care assistance and more.
Application Process
Online assessments
The online assessments consist of Work Style Questionnaires, a multimedia Situational Judgement Questionnaire, Numerical Test and Work Based Scenarios.
Assessment centre
If you pass the online assessments, you’ll be invited to undertake a half day assessment centre. This will be conducted virtually on line. The Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) reflects some of the key elements of a Fast Stream role and will consist a leadership scenario, a team scenario and a written scenario. Information will be presented via an app that you will be able to access remotely.
Final selection
If you are successful at the assessment centre, you’ll be invited to take part in a final selection process.
The specialist assessments will assess your broad capabilities and motivation to be part of the profession you’ve chosen. You’ll be sent detailed guidance before the assessment to explain what is involved.